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Nielsen: In-game ads increase real-world sales

by Griffin McElroy on Sep 15th 2010 4:58AM

We hate to be the ones to break it to you -- but those in-game advertisements that some of you aren't terribly big fans? Well, they're actually pretty effective at boring into your subconscious and making you want to buy Axe Body Spray or Snickers, or whatever. A recent Nielsen study of six EA Sports titles, including NHL 10 and NBA Live 09, found that in-game ads for Gatorade increased household dollars spent on said beverage by 24 percent.

For more information on how the study was conducted, you can check out Nielsen's press release. We'd normally take the time to summarize that process in this very post, but we've suddenly been struck by the strangest, most powerful urge to go out and just start slamming some sports drinks.

Source: Press Release

Tags: ads, advertising, ea-sports, gatorade, in-game-advertising, microsoft, nba-live-09, NHL-10, NHL-2010, nielsen, playstation, ps3, xbox

Reader Comments (11)

I don't actually have an issue with adverts when they fit in with the game as in the above screen shot, it's the obnoxious ones ala WipeoutHD.

I completely agree. I prefer the ads when done right like how they are in real life at sporting events or maybe on billboard signs in sandbox type games. But when the Ads just blatantly stand out as product placement or if it doesn't fit into the environment it really pisses me off.

@PSNIDyoungfamily

Can you say Alan Wake?

@PSNIDyoungfamily

IDK how you'd rate DJ Hero, because I just noticed them after having it for 3-4 weeks lol. Not only are they barely noticeable, but it's even more so when you alone are trying to play the game. Then you try to look for them and it messes you up in the process. XD Then again, it's only in certain venues like Times Square (forgot the others), so it sorta makes sense...

Dang! This should not have been pointed out. Now we will have TOO much ads. Aren't there already enough on the internets? Good thing I use Adblock!

1.) Ads that resemble the ones used in real life are fine with me. They add to the experience, and make it more real.
2.) Ads that don't necessarily need to be there (i.e. the Old Spice whistle tune in Madden 11) are annoying.
3.) I consider this good news. How about EA takes a step back, rely on this ad revenue, and not double-dip customers who buy used games?

@nobody2000

"I consider this good news. How about EA takes a step back, rely on this ad revenue, and not double-dip customers who buy used games? "

They have also this week annouced that people are ok with paying for project 10$ ... so they will be double dipping.

I expect all prices to start heading towards activsions prices (i mean from all games makers on this one ) as well

Hold onto your wallets people :/

@nobody2000 Given that your used game spending sees ZERO dollars go to them, they are going to continue to try yanking money from you. If you want them to stop, perhaps you should consider buying their games new, or not buying their games at all.

My take? Support the devs and buy new.

Wait a minute, Joystiq... you mean to tell me that ADS are increasing SALES? And here I thought they were just cute songs to dance to in Home.

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who doesn't have anything against in game advertising. It's usually tasteful and it can get them more money. I would actually prefer a well made static ad over a black screen for loading. If the ads are actually relevant to the game: bonus.

However, considering how expensive new games are now-a-days, they should use some of those advertising dollars to lower prices for the consumer.

How do they find this out?

Breaking News

NHL 10

Nielsen: In-game ads increase real-world sales

Reader Comments (11)

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 5:05AM senorwhoppy said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 5:17AM PSNIDyoungfamily said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 9:57AM birdizzle87 said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 11:05PM KindaOdd said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 7:46AM MegamanEXE said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 9:08AM nobody2000 said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 9:52AM Milky1985 said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 12:03PM darkinchworm said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 9:56AM Windmill said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 11:19AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Sep 15th 2010 5:53PM AnAngryPlatapus said

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